The African Energy Chamber has reaffirmed its commitment to support Nigeria in its efforts to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill.
The chamber reiterated this in a statement on Monday to announce a planned visit of its Executive Chairman, NJ Ayuk, to Nigeria from July 5 – 10.
According to the statement, the visit is part of the AEC’s goals to market the country as a premier investment destination, and promote African Energy Week 2021 as the ideal networking platform for Nigerian oil and gas companies.
The visit will also be used in prioritising pan-African partnerships and continent-wide energy growth.
“Committed to African-focused dialogue, Ayuk’s visit will comprise private meetings with both government representatives, National Oil Company leaders, and private sector executives.
“Additionally, the AEC will host a cocktail event for the Nigerian business community, prioritising networking and partnerships as a form of prelude to AEW 2021,” the AEC stated.
It quoted Ayuk as saying, “Nigeria represents a particularly lucrative market whereby investment and development should be directed. The AEC is a firm believer in partnerships and collaboration among Africa’s energy sector and is, therefore, reaffirming a commitment to Nigerian people and Nigerian energy.”
According to AEC, Nigeria – with over 187 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves – has the potential to drive energy accessibility and security, boost job creation and industrialisation, and spur socio-economic growth across the entire region.
The Executive Chairman of the Mozambique Oil and Gas Chamber, Florival Mucave, will be accompanying Ayuk to visit various gas projects and developmental sites across the country, it said.
Their visit is also aimed to establish long-term partnerships with Nigerian companies and leaders in a bid to fast-track energy sector growth and poverty alleviation across the entire continent, the AEC noted.
“With amazing talent and an exceptional skills set, and by fostering true partnerships with the right companies, Nigerian oil and gas companies can inspire other African companies in the energy sector to grow. It is through these partnerships where we will see increased energy independence and private sector growth across Africa,” Ayuk also said.
The visit will focus on key discussion topics such as African local content and intra-African trade with particular emphasis on trade between African nations.
Ayuk said he was focused on collaborative dialogue with regards to Nigeria’s proposed strategies to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
“Ayuk’s visit is intended to not only demonstrate the AEC’s ongoing support, but to help drive investment and development in one of Africa’s most esteemed oil and gas markets.
“By prioritising private sector intra-African expansion, and motivating increased participation by Nigerian companies in the wider African energy market, Ayuk is emphasising the role of the private sector in fast-tracking continent-wide energy success,” the statement added.
